Attainment Of Sustainable Development Goals Research Articles

The Role of Copyright Law in the Attainment of Inclusive and Equitable Quality Education in English-Speaking West African Countries

Abstract Education is a prerequisite for the attainment of sustainable development, with multiplier effects on society. This study examines the possibility of achieving inclusive and equitable education under the UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4, AU Agenda 2063 and ECOWAS Vision 2050. Copyright plays an essential role in either encouraging or barring access to educational materials, which are necessary for the attainment of SDG 4. Through a desk study using the laws and policies of English-speaking West African countries (Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria and Sierra Leone), the article examines the copyright laws of these jurisdictions in order to determine how they facilitate or stop access to knowledge. It finds that most of the jurisdictions (except Nigeria) have not maximized the flexibilities available for access to knowledge through copyright limitations and exceptions, thereby barring access to educational materials. It recommends a review of national copyright legislations in line with a developmental perspective.

Necessity entrepreneurship: A journey from unemployment to self‐employment

AbstractThis study provides a comprehensive examination of necessity entrepreneurship, a concept distinct from its counterpart, opportunity entrepreneurship. Necessity entrepreneurship emerges from the compelling need to address economic hardship or unemployment, contrasting with opportunity entrepreneurship, which is driven by the pursuit of new market opportunities. The backdrop of this study is anchored in the escalating unemployment crisis and its implications for sustainable economic growth and the attainment of sustainable development goals. Through an integrative review combining bibliometric–content analysis of 96 publications, following the PRISMA protocol, and a detailed case analysis of 10 globally recognized entrepreneurs who embarked on their ventures driven by necessity, this study unravels the critical factors fueling the rise of necessity entrepreneurship. The findings delineate the relationship between necessity and opportunity entrepreneurship, highlighting how an entrepreneurial orientation can serve as a pivotal link. This orientation not only mitigates the adverse effects of unemployment but also propels the economy toward sustainable growth, thereby contributing significantly to the sustainable development goals. The insights derived from this study traverse multiple domains including entrepreneurial orientation, socio‐economic factors, as well as innovation and digitalization, offering a granular perspective on business policy, entrepreneurial ecosystems, the disparate impacts on developed versus developing nations, and the role of innovation in dynamic entrepreneurship. Through a conceptual framework, this study elucidates how entrepreneurial orientation can effectively bridge the gap between the unemployment crisis and sustainable economic growth. Therefore, this study not only enriches the academic discourse on necessity entrepreneurship but also provides pragmatic insights for entrepreneurs, policymakers, and scholars, emphasizing the crucial role of entrepreneurship in navigating economic and social challenges.

Prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV service interruptions amid COVID-19 pandemic.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused global disruptions in healthcare service delivery. The prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of human immunodeficiency viruses (HIV) services were also interrupted, threatening the attainment of Sustainable Development Goal 3. This article describes the PMTCT service interruptions experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic in Tshwane healthcare facilities. A descriptive phenomenological design was used to explore and describe the experiences of healthcare providers offering PMTCT services during COVID-19 in the Tshwane district, Gauteng province. Purposive sampling was used to recruit participants. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with 16 participants, and Colaizzi's data analysis steps were followed in analysing the findings. Participants reported interruptions in PMTCT service delivery during the pandemic. Non-adherence to scheduled visits resulted in patients defaulting or not adhering to treatment regimens, high viral loads and mother-infant pairs' loss to follow-up. Other features of service disruption included late antenatal bookings, low client flow and delays in conducting deoxyribonucleic acid-polymerase chain reaction (DNA-PCR) testing in HIV-exposed babies. In addition, staff shortages occurred because of re-assignments to COVID-19-related activities. Study participants were psychologically affected by the fear of contracting COVID-19 and worked in a frustrating and stressful environment. Improved community-based follow-up services are critical to enhance PMTCT service outcomes and prevent infant HIV infections.Contribution:The findings may influence policymakers in developing strategies to curb HIV infections among mothers and children during pandemics.

The Impact of AI in Sustainable Development Goal Implementation: A Delphi Study

Artificial intelligence emerges as a powerful catalyst poised to reshape the global sustainability landscape by facilitating the attainment of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This comprehensive Delphi study meticulously probes the insights of domain experts, shedding light on the strategic utilization of AI to advance these critical sustainability objectives. Employing rigorous statistical techniques, encompassing measures of central tendency and interquartile deviation, this research scrutinizes consensus dynamics among experts and elucidates potential variations in their viewpoints. The findings resoundingly convey experts’ collective positive perspective regarding AI’s pivotal role in propelling the SDGs forward. Through two iterative rounds of extensive discussions, a compelling consensus crystallizes—AI indeed exerts an overall positive impact, exemplified by a robust mean score of 78.8%. Intriguingly, distinct SDGs manifest varied propensities toward AI intervention, with Goals 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 13, 14, and 15 basking in the radiance of highly positive impacts. Goals 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, and 12 exhibit positive impact scores, indicating a juncture ripe for positive advancements. Meanwhile, Goal 16 and Goal 17 languish with neutral scores, signifying a juncture demanding nuanced deliberations about AI’s impact on peace, justice, and strong institutions as well as on partnerships for the goals, respectively. This paper underscores AI as a formidable instrument poised to address humanity’s most pressing challenges while harmonizing seamlessly with the overarching SDG objectives. It gracefully dovetails into established practices across pivotal domains such as health, education, and resilient infrastructures, amplifying the collective global endeavor to navigate the path toward a more sustainable future.

Investigating the role of green behavior and perceived benefits in shaping green car buying behavior with environmental awareness as a moderator

As the planet faces the challenge of global warming, every individual and organization must adopt green practices to protect nature. The automobile industry is one of the primary industries which can contribute significantly towards sustainability. This study aims to examine the impact of green behavior and green perceived benefits on the green buying behaviors of automobiles. The research also explores the moderating influence of environmental awareness on the mechanism. The research is based on a quantitative method for which primary data was gathered from 406 respondents across Pakistan, China and Saudi Arabia via Quota-based purposive sampling. The gathered data was analyzed via SmartPLS. The results show that green behavior and perceived benefits positively and significantly influence green buying behavior. The findings also show the moderating role of environmental awareness on green behavior towards green buying and show no impact on the perceived benefits towards buying behavior. The study has practical and theoretical implications for managers, researchers, policymakers and institutions in the context of green automobile development and businesses. The study also contributes to the attainment of sustainable development goals.

Empowering women in the digital age: can digital financial services fulfil the promise of financial autonomy and gender equality in the attainment of Sustainable Development Goal 5?

Empowering women in the digital age: can digital financial services fulfil the promise of financial autonomy and gender equality in the attainment of Sustainable Development Goal 5?

Implementation of Inclusive Education Policy for the Attainment of Sustainable Development Goal 4 in Junior Secondary Schools in Rivers State, Nigeria

This study investigated “Implementation of Inclusive Education Policy for the Attainment of Sustainable Development Goal 4 in Junior Secondary Schools in Rivers State, Nigeria.” Three research questions and two null hypotheses guided the study. The study adopted descriptive research design. The population comprised all the 258 principals in the 258 junior secondary schools in Rivers State, Nigeria. Out of these schools, 220 are located in the rural areas while 38 are located in the urban areas. A sample of 161 principals (89 males and 72 females), which represents 62% of the population was drawn using the simple random sampling technique. A checklist and a self-structured questionnaire were instruments used to collect data for the study. The checklist was designed to ascertain the adequacy of educational resources in junior secondary schools in Rivers State. The questionnaire, which was entitled: “Implementation of Inclusive Education Policy Questionnaire (IIEPQ),”was used to elicit information on the variables, and was structured after the four-point modified Likert rating scale. The instruments were duly validated by three experts. The reliability of the instrument was tested using the Cronbach’s Alpha method to establish the internal consistency of the questionnaire items, and coefficients of 0.79 and 0.83 were obtained for the two clusters respectively. Frequency counts, percentages, mean scores and standard deviation were used to answer the research questions while z-test was used to test the null hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The findings of the study revealed, among others, that the dearth and inadequacy of educational resources that can facilitate inclusive practices show that Rivers State is not yet on track to attaining the SDG 4, which centres on education for all (EFA). Based on the findings, it was recommended, among others, that Rivers State Government should double efforts in ensuring that true inclusion is practised in the junior secondary education system by ensuring that there is adequate human, material and financial resources that will enable the principals to effectively implement inclusive education.

Creating safe and inclusive spaces for children: A catalyst for positive societal impact in Kolkata's neighbourhoods

The establishment of environments that are suitable for children is of utmost importance in fostering communities that are both healthy and content, particularly in regions undergoing rapid urbanisation, such as Kolkata, India. The objective of this research was to ascertain the key areas of focus for the enhancement of child-friendly localities in Kolkata, as determined by the viewpoints of 258 inhabitants who partook in an internet-based questionnaire. The survey conducted a ranking of 12 amenities, encompassing a variety of services such as parks and childcare facilities, based on their respective levels of significance. The findings of the study indicate that the provision of parks, footpaths, street lights, street trees, and resting places are crucial in creating child-friendly neighbourhoods in Kolkata. Nevertheless, an examination based on parental status indicated minor variations, as parents exhibited a greater inclination towards prioritising libraries for their children in comparison to non-parents. Conversely, healthcare provision was deemed less significant among parents relative to non-parents. This research holds significant societal implications, as it offers valuable insights to urban planners and policymakers regarding the development of more sustainable and equitable communities for children residing in Kolkata. Urban planners can enhance the livability and inclusivity of neighbourhoods by prioritising child-centric amenities, such as parks and footpaths, while also taking into account the unique needs of parents and non-parents. This approach can foster social cohesion and promote community resilience. The present research holds significance for multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), namely SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions). Sustainable urban planning has the potential to make a significant contribution towards the attainment of SDG 3 by establishing environments that are conducive to the physical and mental well-being of children. Urban planners can make a significant contribution towards the attainment of SDG 11 by giving priority to the creation of public spaces that are safe and accessible. Urban planning can play a role in realising SDG 16 through the provision of child-centric amenities that promote social inclusion and equity.

Towards green governance and real economy development: how digital technology affects health human resource allocation?

ABSTRACT The adoption and integration of digital technology have profoundly reshaped societal and environmental governance within the healthcare sector. This study aims to explore the influence of digital technology development on the allocation of healthcare human resources, intending to contribute to the net-zero carbon process. Utilizing panel data from 30 provinces and cities across mainland China during the period 2011 to 2020, we computed three unique indices for health resource density. Employing the spatial Durbin model, our analysis unveiled a gradual augmentation in the overall level of healthcare human resource allocation in China due to the spatial impact of digital technology development. Robustness tests substantiated a noteworthy positive spatial spillover effect of digital technology, contributing to the augmentation of healthcare human resource allocation at the regional level. Heterogeneity results revealed a notably more pronounced promotional effect in the eastern region, contrasting with the central and western regions. From the perspective of sustainable development, the development of digital technology can contribute to the advancement of environmentally friendly healthcare by optimizing the allocation of healthcare human resources. In conclusion, this study offers valuable insights for China to formulate effective policies for healthcare human resource allocation, contributing to the attainment of sustainable development goals.

Advocating green economy in India: The tug of war among income inequality, export diversification, and environmental quality

AbstractGlobally, most countries have shown strong commitments toward the attainment of sustainable development goals before 2023. Thus, this study focuses on analyzing such commitments toward the attainment of SDGs (7, 8, 10, and 13), respectively. The study evaluates the role played by income inequalities, export diversification, and economic growth in restoring a sustainable environment in India from 1970 to 2019. To achieve its objective, the study employed the novel Fourier autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) method. Remarkably, the study utilizes the load capacity factor (LCF) as a unique indicator for environmental sustainability. The LCF, which takes into account both biocapacity and ecological footprint, is one of the most complete indicators of environmental quality to date. The study's findings revealed a long‐run relationship between the LCF and all the explanatory variables. According to the Fourier ARDL results, income inequality and renewable energy improve environmental quality. At the same time, economic growth and export diversification negatively impact the LCF in India both within the short and long‐run periods. Conclusion and policy prescriptions are included in the study.

Are Academic Libraries Doing Enough to Support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)? A State-of-the-Art Review

The aim of this study was to assess the role that academic libraries play in realizing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). To answer the research question, "How are academic libraries contributing to the attainment of SDGs?" a State-Of-The-Art Review was conducted on SDG contributions from academic libraries. Literature searches were executed using various databases and hand-searching techniques. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied, leading to the selection of 25 papers. A majority of these papers represent institutions located in Asia (26.32%), Africa (21.05%), International (15.79%), Europe (10.53%), North America (5.26%), and Oceania (5.26%). During analysis, instances of "SDG washing" (where librarians exaggerated their contribution towards achieving SDGs) were noted. Targets 4:4, 16:10, 4:7, and 12:8 demonstrated closely interlinked relationships, highlighting the importance of providing access to educational resources, job opportunities, and skill development programs, which form an integral part underpinning SDG programming across different library activities depending on leadership roles, organizational culture, individual agency, partnership policies, etc. Furthermore, a Pearson correlation R test revealed positive linear relationships between Target 4:4 and both targets 16:10 & 17:17; these key targets are fundamental for programming under SDG but may vary across different library activities depending on leadership roles, organizational culture, individual agency, partnership policies, etc. It is important to note that evidence from the sample size, consisting only of 164 libraries, should be interpreted with caution as it may not represent all academic libraries globally. The paper highlights the scarcity of sustainability literacy within existing literature, with relatively few examples. Some librarians remain unaware or skeptical about incorporating the SDGs into business as usual library activities. This presents an opportunity for change through awareness-raising efforts and adoption strategies. Moreover, academic librarians must consider various factors when evaluating SDG programs while reporting Global Impact Framework-based outcomes, as it is a more accurate measurement than goal-level assessments. Future studies could explore regional differences in achieving GIF-based outcomes, thereby tailoring recommendations accordingly.

Prosumers as drivers of SDG7 in Palestine: Net-benefit analysis of grid-connected photovoltaic systems

The present study assessed the prosumer benefits of a residential photovoltaic system based on a net-benefit analysis. Net present value ranged from 187 to 2811 $/kW in the low-market scenario and 1226–5642 $/kW in the high-market scenario. Net benefits were verified in net metering contexts, while contexts without net metering had break-even points of 31% and 48% self-consumption for the two scenarios, respectively. Policy recommendations are proposed to encourage investment in renewable energy plants in the Palestinian territory to increase energy security while contributing to the attainment of Sustainable Development Goal 7.

Investigating the role of green curriculum in shaping pro-environmental behaviors and environmental values orientation for sustainability

Purpose This study aims to find out the role of green curriculum (GC) in making a green generation (GG) and ensuring sustainability. The study considers the green curriculum a key factor for understanding environmental values orientation (EVO) and adopting pro-environmental behaviors (Pr-EnB) for social, economic, human and environmental sustainability. Design/methodology/approach The study is quantitative and cross-sectional. Partial least square-structural equation modeling was used to test the research model and data which was collected through a questionnaire survey from university faculty and students in Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and China. Findings The findings show that the GC has significant positive effects on EVO and pro-environmental behavior. However, it has no significant effect on social sustainability. There is a positive significant effect of pro-environmental behavior on economic, environmental, human and social sustainability. Whereas, environmental orientation has no significant effect on economic sustainability but significantly influences environmental, human and social sustainability. GC has no significant effect on economic, environmental and human sustainability. However, when considering the combined effects of GC and environmental values orientation or pro-environmental behavior, significant positive effects were found on economic, environmental, human and social sustainability. Research limitations/implications The result suggests that implementing a GC positively influences environmental orientation, pro-environmental behavior and various dimensions of sustainability. Practical implications These results have implications for educational institutions and policymakers aiming to promote sustainability through green curriculum and help in the attainment of sustainable development goals. Originality/value The study fulfills an essential need to obtain sustainability and sustainable development goals through education.

Predictors for the utilization of community support systems against intimate partner violence among married women living with HIV in southwestern Uganda-A cross sectional study.

Intimate partner violence (IPV) disproportionately affects married women living with HIV (MWLHIV), resulting in undesirable human rights, socio-economic, mental, maternal, and child health consequences. Community Support systems against Violence (CoSaV) are widely available and promising public and voluntary resources for the prevention and mitigation of IPV but are poorly investigated. We set out to identify the predictors for the utilization of the CoSaV among the MWLHIV. This was a quantitative cross-sectional study conducted among 424 consecutively sampled MWLHIV attending the Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) clinic at Kabale Regional Referral Hospital in southwestern Uganda in April 2021. Using an interviewer-administered questionnaire, data were collected on the participant's socio-demographic characteristics, exposure to IPV, awareness about the CoSaV, perceptions about the quality, accessibility and challenges in accessing the CoSaV and the utilization. Modified Poisson regression model was used to identify the predictors for the utilization of CoSaV using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.0. The mean age of the 424 participants in the study was 39.5 ± 10.2 years. More than half of the participants 51.9% (220/424) reported exposure to any IPV. Utilization of any CoSaV was found to be above average at 58.3% among the participants. The formal support (police, local government leaders, health workers and counselors) were more frequently utilized compared to the informal support (family, relatives and friends). Utilization of any CoSaV was higher among the women who were aware of the CoSaV and also those who were exposed to violence. Accessibility was identified as an independent predictor for utilization of any CoSaV. Intimate partner violence (IPV) was prevalent among MWLHIV in southwestern Uganda. However, the utilization of any CoSaV was suboptimal. The formal CoSaV were more frequently utilized than the informal support systems. Accessibility was an independent predictor for utilization of any CoSaV. There is need to improve access in order to increase the utilization of the CoSaV and contribute to the attainment of sustainable development goal 5.2.1 and end violence against women.

Social entrepreneurship: empirical evidence on its contribution to the realization of the sustainable development goals in Uganda

PurposeThis study explores the contribution of social entrepreneurship to the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Uganda.Design/methodology/approachWe employed a qualitative approach and a multiple-case design to engage 20 participants. Specifically, semi-structured interviews were conducted to gather the perceptions and views of the participants regarding the study phenomenon.FindingsStudy findings indicate that social entrepreneurs support a number of people and undertake activities that solve social, environmental and economic problems. However, environmental issues receive less focus when compared to other sustainability aspects. It is also evident that social entrepreneurs are financially constrained with limited managerial skills, undermining their potential to fulfill their social mission. Despite these challenges, social entrepreneurs have significantly contributed to the attainment of SDGs 1, 4, 5, 8 and 10 in Uganda.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the existing literature on social entrepreneurship and sustainable development. Specifically, it provides initial empirical evidence on the social entrepreneurial activities, the beneficiaries and challenges being addressed by social entrepreneurs and contribution to the attainment of the SDGs in Uganda.

Transdisciplinary Research as a Means of Protecting Human Health, Ecosystems and Climate by Engaging People to Act on Air Pollution

Abstract Air pollution harms the health of humans, nature and wildlife, agricultural crops and livestock and climate. As a result, it hinders the attainment of Sustainable Development Goals 3 (Good Health and Wellbeing), 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and 13 (Climate Change). In order to improve human and (agro-)ecosystem health, One Health approaches for better air quality must account for local knowledge, cultural practices and priorities. People with lower socio-economic status often have limited awareness of air pollution yet are affected most through personal exposure and increased food prices. This case trialled a new, co-created transdisciplinary approach to air pollution awareness raising in the Mukuru community in Nairobi, Kenya. The pilot study used interviews, storytelling, participatory mapping, theatre, playful activities and music with the aim of discovering affected communities’ perceptions of air pollution, increasing understanding and empowering people to demand that policy makers develop and implement effective, inclusive air pollution abatement policies. Information © The Authors 2024

Identifying potential catalysts to accelerate the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) among adolescents living in Nigeria

ABSTRACT Investing in adolescents in Africa holds great promise for the development of the continent. The steps involved in identifying factors linked to interventions that may accelerate the attainment of multiple SDGs for adolescents in Nigeria are described. Data from a survey to investigate the well-being of 1800 adolescents aged 10–19 years in Southwest Nigeria was analysed. A four-step process was employed: 1) Mapping of variables deemed as suitable proxies for SDG targets; 2) Mapping hypothesised protective factors (accelerators) from the study instruments. Consequently, SDG targets related to elimination of hunger, good health, gender equality and peace; and seven accelerators (safe schools, parenting support, good mental health, no survival work, food security, stable childhood, and regular physical activity) were identified; 3) evaluating associations using bivariate analysis and multivariable logistic regression, 4) calculating adjusted probabilities. The mean age of the adolescents was 15.02 ± 2.27 years (48.6% female). Good mental health, not doing survival work, safe schools, stable childhood and parental support were significantly associated with at least two SDG targets. For example, food security was significantly associated with the highest number of SDG outcomes: one SDG target related to child survival (no substance use: x2 = 3.39, p = <0.001); three SDG targets related to educational outcomes (school progression: x2 = 5.68, p = 0.017, ability to concentrate in school: x2 = 26.92, p = <0.001, and school attendance: x2 = 25.89, p = <0.001); and four SDG targets related to child protection (no risky sexual behaviours: x2 = 16.14, p = <0.001, no perpetration of violence: x2 = 15.74, p = <0.001, no community violence: x2 = 39.06, p =<0.001, and no sexual abuse: x2 = 7.66, p = 0.006). Interventions centred around good mental health, not doing survival work, safe schools, small family size, stable childhood and parental support are potential accelerators for the attainment of SDG outcomes by adolescents living in Nigeria.

Policy (In)Consistency and Sustainable Development Goals in Africa: A Systematic Literature Review

The attainment of Sustainable Development Goals hinges on the alignment of SDGs policies. This systematic literature review delves into the intricate relationship between policy inconsistency and sustainable development goals in Africa. Through this study, we unveil the challenges, implications, and the potential pathways that emerge at the intersection of policies and the quest for sustainable development in Africa. Our investigation takes a close look at the diverse dimensions of policy coherence, encompassing economic, social, and environmental considerations, and how these dimensions impact the progress of SDGs. Employing a systematic review approach, we meticulously filtered through 1745 results from databases, selecting 353 articles for a comprehensive analysis. Our findings underscore the significant role that policy inconsistency plays in impeding the attainment of SDGs in Africa. We propose an approach anchored on the alignment of SDGs policies and each goal of SDGS for the attainment of the 2030 SDGs agenda in Africa.

Toward the Attainment of Sustainable Development Goals: The Impact of Transformative Service Research on Financial Inclusion

Toward the Attainment of Sustainable Development Goals: The Impact of Transformative Service Research on Financial Inclusion

An intricate vagina penetrating injury with a 22 cm cassava stick in situ for 6 months: a case report

BackgroundTrauma remains one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality and a threat to attainment of sustainable development goal 11. Genital urinary trauma is reported in about 10% of patients presenting with trauma worldwide, and in about 6.6% of patients in Sub-Saharan Africa. If not careful enough, one may miss the foreign body in the vagina and this may be associated with morbidity, and although rare, mortality.Case presentationWe report a case of a 7-year-old Black Ugandan that had suffered vagina trauma 6 months prior to presentation at our facility and presented with chronic vagina pus discharge for 6 months. Prior examinations had failed to recognize the foreign body and so did the two abdominal pelvic ultrasound scans. During examination under anesthesia, we were able to locate the cassava stick that had caused penetrating vagina injury and we were able to dislodge it. It was a blunt cassava stick with length of 22 cm and diameter of 2 cm. Although it had gone through the peritoneal cavity, we did not do a laparotomy.ConclusionThis case emphasizes the need for a thorough vaginal exam including the need to do it under anesthesia with good lighting even when ultrasound scan findings are normal. It presents an opportunity for one to manage penetrating peritoneal injury without a laparotomy in highly selected cases. Gynecologists should be keen as well to rule out child molestation.